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By: Serach Nissim & Fern Sidman
Floyd Mayweather Jr., the retired boxer, is partnering with the Nakash family and Eli Gindi to purchase a stake in an iconic Miami Beach property. As reported by the Real Deal, Mayweather is buying a large share in the former Versace Mansion, now known as Villa Casa Casuarina, at 1116 Ocean Drive. The share Mayweather is acquiring is the majority stake currently owned by Eli Gindi. The purchase price has not yet been disclosed. The deal is slated to close in the first quarter of 2025. The transaction was brokered by Ayal Frist of AlphaTech Real Estate Group, and with Mayweather represented by Morris Missry of the New York-based law firm Wachtel Missry.
The iconic home belonged to the Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace, founder of the international luxury-fashion house. Versace was murdered outside this home in 1997, at age 50, by a serial killer. The mansion was one of the most photographed homes in America, and later became converted into a posh luxury boutique hotel with 24 rooms, a restaurant, spa, pool, lounge and event space.
Mayweather, now 47, retired from his boxing career in August 2017 with an undefeated record, having won 15 major world championships spanning five weight classes from super featherweight to light middleweight. He went on to fight in exhibition boxing. His fights had been the most lucrative pay-per-view attractions of all time, in any sport. He was one of the 50 highest-paid athletes of 2012 and 2013, and in both 2014 and 2015 he made the Forbes list as the highest-paid athlete in the world.
Per the Real Deal, Mayweather reportedly earned a total of $1.1 billion through his boxing career and business ventures. The former boxer recently sold his waterfront Miami Beach mansion on Palm Island for $22 million. In October, he also put up his Las Vegas mansion for sale, asking $12.5 million, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. On the other hand, late last month, Mayweather went into contract on a $402 million apartment portfolio in Manhattan, an investment which includes 60 rental buildings, with some 1,000 mostly affordable-apartment units. His main focus has been on commercial real estate though, having recently invested in 601W Companies’ $10 billion portfolio of 18 office buildings in New York, Jersey City and Chicago, boasting some 10 million square feet. He has also invested over $100 million with NYC real estate guru SL Green in office space, per the Real Deal.
“I feel blessed to be a part of such an important piece of real estate,” Mayweather said in a statement to TRD. “Eli Gindi and the Nakash family are real estate royalty.”
Mr. Gindi said Villa Casa Casuarina, which he called “one of the most iconic properties,” was on the market asking $150 million. The new partners plan to open up the estate to the public. The Nakash family, which has built a massive worldwide company, started it all with their fashion brand Jordache Jeans. The family currently owns at least six hotels on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive alone.
Villa Casa Casuarina was first built in 1930 on a 0.40-acre property in South Beach’s main street. It is a three-story building boasting 23,462-square-ffeet of space. Per TRD, the Nakash family’s Jordache Enterprises had purchased the estate at an auction in 2013, paying $41.5 million.
Mayweather has also demonstrated unwavering support for Israel through multiple visits, significant donations, and personal engagements with Israeli leaders and organizations. His actions have solidified his reputation as a steadfast ally of the Jewish state.
Mayweather’s connection with Israel began in November 2022 during a surprise visit. He explored Jerusalem’s historic sites, including the Western Wall, and immersed himself in the local culture by visiting the Machane Yehuda Market. This initial trip laid the foundation for his enduring relationship with the country.
Following the tragic events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a devastating attack on southern Israeli towns, Mayweather was among the first international figures to voice solidarity with Israel. He utilized his private jet to deliver essential supplies, including food, water, and bulletproof vests, to support both the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and civilians affected by the conflict.
In October 2024, Mayweather visited the Belev Echad Rehabilitation Center near Tel Aviv, which provides critical care and support to IDF soldiers wounded in combat. During his visit, he engaged with the soldiers, offering words of encouragement and expressing deep admiration for their bravery. He stated, “You guys are brave warriors. I take my hat off to everyone in here that goes on that battlefield.”
During the same trip, Mayweather met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he shared, “It was an honor to meet with you today. Your strength and courage are unmatched, and your commitment to protecting the Jewish people and citizens of Israel is truly inspiring. Keep using your voice and never back down.”
Demonstrating his commitment to supporting Israeli emergency services, Mayweather pledged $100,000 to United Hatzalah, Israel’s largest volunteer emergency medical service. This donation was designated for the purchase of 100 bulletproof vests, enhancing the safety of volunteers operating in high-risk areas.
In March 2024, during a visit to Jerusalem, Mayweather was honored with the Champion for Israel Award by Aish HaTorah. This accolade is reserved for individuals who actively advocate against anti-Semitism and support Israel. The ceremony took place on Aish HaTorah’s rooftop, overlooking the Western Wall, symbolizing the deep connection between Mayweather and the Jewish state.
Throughout his engagements, Mayweather has consistently condemned terrorism and anti-Semitism. He has used his platform to promote peace and human rights, stating, “I stand with Israel and Jews all around the world. I condemn anti-Semitism at all costs. I stand for peace. I stand for human rights! Terrorism is never the answer.”
